League champions Enyimba suffer opening day defeat
– Enyimba suffers back-to-back defeat
– The Nigeria league champions kick start their 2016 league season on a poor note
– Three defeats in a roll raise serious concerns on the team’s chances of defending their trophy
Nigeria’s league champions, Enyimba suffered an opening day defeat as they went down 1-0 to Rivers United in Port Harcourt.
Frederick Obomate’s goal in the 71st minute was enough to secure the host three points in a very entertaining encounter.
This defeat means that Enyimba have now lost their last three games as they suffered defeat against Vipers SC of Uganda in Champions League tie, before going down on penalty shootout against Akwa United in the Charity cup.
Naij.com was on ground to bring you minute-by-minute account of the encounter. Read our coverage below:
Enyimba will file out this afternoon against Rivers United at the Liberation Stadium in Port Harcourt.
New-born Rivers United is the amalgamation of both Port Harcourt based teams, Dolphins and Sharks.
Enyimba would want to put the disappointment they suffered in their first match in the Caf Champions League behind them and focus on the first tie in the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) against the Port Harcourt based side.
The Peoples Elephant have gone three matches without scoring a goal and would want to start the new season with a win in Port Harcourt.
Follow our live coverage below:
Rivers United XI: Sunday Rotimi 26, Chigozie Ihunda 2, Ali Chiwendu 3, Festus Austin 19 (captain) , Joseph Douhadji 5, Yusuf Jaiyeola 21, Felix Benjamin 24 , Obomate Frederick 6, Ovoke Benard 7, Andoh Wilson 18, Agogo Ebitimi 15.
Enyimba XI: Femi Thomas 21, Ifeanyi George 31, Uwadiwgwu Ugwu 22, Emma Anyanwu 14, Chinedu Udoji 26, Ezekiel Bassey 6, Chukwude Stephen 9, Peter Onyekachi 23, Kamaldeen Sikiru 28 Ikechukwu Ibenegbu 15, Oluwadamilare Ojo 16.
FT: Full time: Referee signals the end of the match. Enyimba have lost their opening game of the season. It ended; Rivers United 1 – 0 Enyimba
90+2′ The home side are taking it easy with the champions.
90′ Three minutes added-on!
89′ Time wasting tactics? Goalkeeper Sunday Rotimi falls to the turf to the frustration of Enyimba players.
86′ Good clearance by Ihunda, as Rivers United continue to attack with a chance……”offside” says the referee
85′ Five minutes left on the watch. Rivers United win another throw.
84′ The champions continue to attack, as Rivers United leave only one man upfront, for a counter-tactics?
83′ Ifeanyi George tries a shot from about 30 yards, but his effort flashes wide!
81′ Ball expertly taken off Peter Onyekachi as Enyimba continue to trail in Port Harcourt.
77′ Great play by Ifeanyi George as the Peoples Elephants win another free kick. Sunday Rotimi with another beautiful save.
75′ Enyimba trying to restore parity, as Coach Paul Aigbogun can barely sit.
73′ The home fans have gone haywire right now and the whole Liberty Stadium has erupted.
71′ GOOOOOAAAALLL! Frederick Obomate scores for Rivers United.
65′ Pyagbara comes on for Chukwudi Stephen for Enyimba’s first change.
63′ Enyimba make the first substitution. Israel comes in for Agogo
57’Still no goal from either side, but the home side have raised their game upfront and look good for a goal.
51′ Ibenegbu launches another attack for Enyimba, he was brought down at the edge of the area. Free kick to the visitors in a very good position.
48′ Ali Chiwendu goes for the top corner from a free kick…, beautiful save by Femi Thomas of Enyimba
47′ Great run by Benard who was fouled in the area….appeals for a penalty but the referee say play on
46′ The second half has started and the home side look very promising as the attack with their first kick.
Referee signals the end of the first half!
45′ Peter Onyekachi has lost the best chance ‘he would ever see’ on the stroke of half time. The ball was squared to him, he only needed to shoot at the empty net. Fluffed chance!
44′ Great shot by Ovoke Benard to try Femi Thomas….good goalkeeping.
42′ More pressure by Enyimba, and Peter Onyekachi should have done better. The champions should have been up by a goal.
41′ Good dummy by Chukwude Stephen to set up Ezekiel Bassey for a cross, poorly taken.
40′ Another chance for Rivers United to take the lead, good block by Ifeanyi George.
37′ Although it’s a sunny afternoon, the fans are trooping-in in groups and a goal on this pitch will definitely liven the arena.
36′ Both teams are very tactical, playing with extra caution. Enyimba win another free kick.
33′ Another opportunity wasted by the home side.
30′ Still no goal from both sides. So far it has been an even game, but Enyimba have looked more dangerous as Rivers United continue to fumble upfront.
28′ Ifeanyi George whips the ball…, great save by Sunday Rotimi. The goalkeeper was at the right position.
26′ Nice movement by the Enyimba forwards on a counter; Ezekiel Bassey brought down at the edge of the area, as Enyimba win a free kick in a very good position.
25′ Peter Onyekachi with a chance to put the champions ahead….wide! The striker just couldn’t connect properly to the ball.
23′ Enyimba win yet another corner.
22′ Andoh with another awful kick, to the uproar of the home fans. They need a goal!
20′ Foul! Oluwadamilare Ojo brings down Ebitimi; as Rivers United win a free kick in a dangerous position.
18′ Again! Ibenegbu tries to find Peter Onyekachi on the right, but prompt clearance by Douhadji ensured danger was averted for Rivers United.
16′ Enyimba with a chance! Good clearance.
14′ Ibenegbu helps his team to settle into this game. The Super Eagles player is properly directing the affairs in the midfield.
12′ Confusion in the Enyimba defense as Kamaldeen Sikiru almost gifted Andoh Wilson the ball while trying to make a back-pass to the goalkeeper.
11′ It’s been pressure upon pressure on the People’s Elephants. Enyimba are yet to make clear string of passes in this encounter.
9′ Rivers United with another set piece right at the edge of the Enyimba area. Poorly taken by Benard
8′ Chukwude wins a free kick after being fouled by Festus Austin.
6′ Great nutmeg by Ovoke Benard who tries to unlock the Enyimba defense. The ball expertly cleared by Ezekiel Bassey.
5′ Rivers United so far are taking it calm, knocking the ball around the centre, just to settle into the game.
2′ The home side wins the first corner early in the game; poorly taken!
1′ We are under way here. Rivers United with the early pressure. Good defensive tackle by Chinedu Udoju.
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